Abstract: Fibrous webs are bonded by passing through a nip comprising an anvil and a hammer vibrating at high frequencies in the presence of uncombined liquid. The liquid is moved within the web causing rearrangement and entanglement of the fibers resulting in improved web properties such as strength, drape, and softness. The nature of the rearrangement and entanglement may be varied to produce random or highly entangled webs having correspondingly varying properties. Other embodiments include the use of additional fibers or other materials in the liquid or in the web and the bonding of multiple layers.

Abstract: A tape fastener system for disposable diapers in which the tape is disposed on the liner, or front cover, of the diaper, and is of a unitary composite construction such that an integral surface portion of the tape acts as a releasable protective means for a pressure sensitive surface area of the composite tape. The fastener system comprises a composite tape formed from two connected strips of pressure sensitive sheet material longitudinally aligned and joined to each other at a narrow zone of overlap. The strips are overlapped with their adhesive surfaces in contact so that one end portion of the composite tape adjacent the overlap zone has its adhesive surface disposed on the face of the tape opposite from face of the tape on which the adhesive surface of the other end portion is disposed.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive tape attachment system for disposable diapers in which the strippable protective release sheet for the pressure sensitive tape has one end permanently secured to the outer or non-body contacting surface of the diaper. The protective sheet remains attached to the outer surface of the diaper when the latter is worn.

Abstract: An improvement in the composition of particulate, water-insoluble alkali metal carboxylate salts of starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers of the type which are produced by saponifying starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers with an alkali metal base in an aqueous alcoholic medium and which particulate copolymer in its unimproved form is capable of absorbing in excess of 50 parts of aqueous fluids per part of copolymer when saturated. The improvement comprises the intermixture with the particulate copolymer of fumed silica or fumed alumina particles in an amount sufficient to increase markedly the rate at which the mixture absorbs physiological fluid as compared to the rate of absorption for such fluids exhibited by the copolymer before the fumed material is added. The mixture also minimizes the undesirable dusting tendency which is a characteristic of the particulate copolymer in the absence of the fumed silica or alumina.

Abstract: A drape for use in surgical procedures having a base sheet of a liquid-repellent material and including a generally U-shaped fenestration with a layer of adhesive surrounding the fenestration and providing for varying the dimensions of the fenestration. The adhesive is protected by a plurality of cover strips which permit the drape to be applied in a folded condition to the patient and unfolded with reduced danger of contamination. In a preferred embodiment the drape also includes a foam-film laminate layer on the top surface thereof around the fenestration for placement of instruments, increased protection against liquid strike-through, reduced glare, and controlled absorbency. In use, the drape of the invention may be combined with other drapes, and an application is described including a stocking and a bar sheet for complete protection in complicated procedures such as knee or hip surgery. An improved method of folding the drape of the invention for increased safety and convenience is also described.